ASD bonds head to April ballot

The district has three bond propositions on the ballot in this April’s municipal election. These bond propositions affect many schools across the district. The state reimbursement approved for each of the bonds significantly reduces the cost to local taxpayers.

“Funding of the state reimbursement plan is subject to legislative appropriation, however it has been fully funded every year since 1992 and many legislators have indicated their full support again this year,” said Superintendent Carol Comeau.

For every $100,000 of assessed property value, and with state reimbursement, all of the district’s bond propositions combined will cost taxpayers $8.01 per year to retire the bonds.

ASD Bond Proposition 1 will complete renovations and an addition to Service High School. The bond is for $37,123,000. The state will pay the majority of the Service High project costs through grant and debt reimbursement. It has approved 60 percent debt reimbursement for $28 million of the bond request. This proposition also redirects $10 million of previously voter-approved but unused bonds.

ASD Bond Proposition 2 funds building life extension and design projects districtwide and is for $16,865,000. The state approved debt reimbursement of 60 percent for all design projects and 70 percent for all building life extension project costs. This bond affects 20 projects districtwide, including:

  • Safety, fire alarm and communications system upgrades;
  • Roof, lighting and heating projects;
  • Districtwide relocatable upgrades; and
  • Athletic facility upgrades.

ASD Bond Proposition 3 improves and expands Career, Technical and Vocational Education programs at existing schools, including seven high schools, five middle schools and one vocational school. Prop 3 is for $17,000,000. The state has approved debt reimbursement of 70 percent for all project costs.

More information about each of the bonds is available at www.asdk12.org/bonds.

Did you know?

  • ASD has retired $148 million in bond debt since the last school bonds were approved by voters in April 2008.
  • Over the next five years, the district will pay off $52-$58 million of bonds each year, totaling more than $279 million.